Current Affairs Today

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs April 26 & 27 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary Launched India’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development
In April 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC)Jayant Chaudhary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE), formally launched India’s (Asia’s) first “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development”, during the International Conference on “Women Leading the Future of Work” at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune, Maharashtra.

• The conference, organised in partnership with UNESCO, brought together global institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to deliberate on strengthening women’s participation in emerging sectors.

Key Details:
Aim: It aims  to expand access to future-ready skills for women and improve employability in emerging sectors like: Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductor, among others.
Key Sectors: The chair is expected to generate opportunities for women into sectors like: robotics, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing and defence.
Key Activities: The initiative will also work on policy inputs, international collaboration and training frameworks, aligned with UNESCO priorities.
Leadership: The newly established UNESCO chair will be led by Swati Mujumdar, pro-chancellor of SSPU.

Govt Forms Panel under SBI chief to Assess Risks from AI platform Mythos 
In April 2026, The Government of India (GoI) constituted a panel under the chairmanship of Challa Sreenivasulu (C.S.) Setty, Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), to assess potential risks from advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform Anthropic’s Mythos and suggest mitigating measures.

• The decision was taken during a high-level meeting co-chaired by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Key Details:
Co-ordinated Response Mechanism: The GoI has directed the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to create a coordinated response mechanism for AI-related threats.
Report Cybercrimes: Banks have also been mandated to report cyber cases immediately to authorities like Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), to ensure early detection and fast dissemination of emerging threats.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Taxi app in Mumbai, Maharashtra
In April 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), launched the Bharat Taxi, India’s 1st cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, auto-rickshaw and cab driver, onboarding programme and application (app) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• This launch aimed to enhance earnings and welfare outcomes for drivers through a co-operative-led ride-hailing platform.

About Bharat Taxi App:
Impact: This newly launched app will offer various benefits to taxi drivers such as: zero commission, no subscription charges, free insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, and access to MUDRA loans.
Background: In June 2025, eight national-level cooperative institutions established the Bharat Taxi under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS Act, 2002) and was officially launched on February 05, 2026.
Key Progress: Since its launch, the initial base of the taxi has been increased to more than 25,000 rides per day.

• So far, Bharat Taxi has onboarded 5.17 lakh customers, while more than 50 lakh customers have availed the service.

Union Minister Jaishankar Launches Logo, Theme and Website for 4th India-Africa Forum Summit
In April 2026, Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam(S.) Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs(MEA), officially launched the logo, theme, and website for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV).

• This event marks a season of renewal for India-Africa ties, after the third summit held in 2015.

About 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV):
Event: The summit is scheduled for 31 May 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi in collaboration with the African Union Commission .

• Preparatory meetings of senior officials are scheduled for May 28 2026, followed by the India–Africa Foreign Ministers’ meeting on May 29 2026.

Logo:  Features a Lion superimposed on interlocked maps of India and Africa, symbolizing pride, courage and a shared identity.
Theme: “IA SPIRIT: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation.”

• ‘SPIRIT’ captures the essence of a relationship that goes beyond transactions, and is marked by shared values, mutual respect, solidarity and collaboration.

Official Website: www.iafs2026.in

MoCA&PD Expands Procurement in Chhattisgarh; Launches Pulse Procurement in Bihar
In April 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution(MoCAF&PD) has expanded procurement operations under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme in Chhattisgarh and launched the first-ever structured pulse procurement initiative under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission (APM) in Bihar to enhance farmer income support and ensure price stability.

• The procurement drive is being spearheaded by the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited(NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED).

Key Details:
Procurement Boost in Chhattisgarh: The state has accelerated with digitised farmer registration through the Electronic(E)-Samyukti portal, supported by extensive on-ground awareness campaigns.

• A network of 85 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies(PACS) centres is currently operational across districts such as Dhamtari, Durg, Balod, Balodabazar, Raipur, Raigarh, and Sarangarh, with further expansion planned in Sarguja, Kondagaon, and Koriya.

Procurement in Bihar: The NCCF has initiated the first organised procurement of masoor (lentil), supported by scientific storage facilities in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority(WDRA) approved warehouses in collaboration with the Central Warehousing Corporation(CWC).

• The NAFED is also gearing up to expand procurement operations in the state under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) through its cooperative network.

Himadri Speciality Chemical Commissions India’s First Anode Material Plant in WB
In April 2026, Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited (HSCL), India’s largest speciality carbon black producer, commissioned India’s first anode material production facility with initial capacity of 200 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) at Mahistikry, Hooghly, West Bengal (WB), marking a major entry into the lithium-ion battery value chain.
About Himadri Anode Material Facility:
Ecosystem: Himadri produces both anode and cathode materials, which together contribute ~65% of lithium-ion battery cost and are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and electronics.
Expansion: The Mahistikry facility is evolving into an integrated hub with total carbon black capacity of 250,000 MTPA, including 130,000 MTPA speciality carbon black and a newly commissioned 70,000 MTPA line.
Strategy: Expansion into clean energy includes silicon-carbon anode technology partnerships, investment in battery ventures, and a 2,000 MTPA lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode project expected by Q3 FY27.

Akashvani and MyGovt Launched Nationwide Signature Tune & Jingle Contest 
In April 2026, Akashvani (All India Radio, AIR) operated under Prasar Bharati(PB), in collaboration with MyGov (National Portal of India), launched two nationwide contests, ‘Signature Tune-Making Contest and Jingle-Making Contest’, for citizens under the themes “Akashvani @90 – The New Rhythm of Bharat” and “Akashvani @90 – The Vibrant Voice of India” respectively, to celebrate its 90-year legacy
About Signature Tune-Making Contest: 
Objective: To develop 20–40 second instrumental-only signature tunes for Akashvani programmes, meeting standard audio quality norms and to be submitted via MyGov between 23 April and 25 May 2026.
Programmes: It include Yuva-vani/Sports Scan (high-energy, rhythmic), Market Mantra (professional, tech-forward, sophisticated), Family Welfare/Women’s Programme (warm, melodious, empowering), and National Magazine (Sahitya, Sanskriti, Vigyan, etc.) (culturally rooted and inspiring), with evaluation based on atmospheric suitability, instrumental excellence, and versatility.
Prizes: Rs.30,000 (1st Prize), Rs.20,000 (2nd Prize), Rs.10,000 (3rd Prize), Rs.5,000 each (10 Consolation Prizes).
About Jingle-Making Contest:
Details: Entries must include vocals with background music (20–50 seconds) in Hindi or English, submitted for FM (Frequency Modulation) Gold, FM Rainbow, and Vividh Bharati, with one entry per channel (maximum three) along with a concept note of up to 150 words.
Prizes: The awards include Rs.20,000 for first place, Rs.15,000 for second, Rs.10,000 for third, and ten consolation prizes of Rs.2,500 each.

CMEC Signs MoU with Delhi University to Boost Maritime Education
In April 2026, the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC), at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), and   the University of Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime education and research.

• The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW), at the Delhi School of Economics in New Delhi, Delhi.

Key Details of MoU:
Focus: The partnership will emphasize developing academic frameworks, joint research initiatives, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing efforts to bridge academia, policy, and industry.
Strategic Impact: The partnership will create new opportunities for students and researchers in areas like maritime logistics, green shipping, and supply chain management, supporting India’s goal of becoming a global maritime leader.
Additional MoU: Another MoU was also signed between the RIS and the Delhi School of Economics to promote joint programmes in public policy research and training.
Alignment: The initiative aligns with key government programmes such as Sagarmala and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Revokes Banking Licence of PPBL Over Non-Compliance with Banking Regulations
In April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act, 1949), due to its failure to comply with norms stipulated in the payment bank licence issued to it.

• As per RBI directions, PBBL will cease its banking operations with effect from April 24, 2026.

Imposes Penalties on Banks and Financial Institutions:
Bandhan Bank: The RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 41.8 lakh on Bandhan Bank for non-compliance with regulatory norms, including Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines.
Muthoot Housing Finance: The RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 80,000 on Muthoot Housing Finance Company for non-compliance with its directions on the Fair Practices Code.
Ebix Payments Services & Cooperative Banks: The RBI imposed a total penalty of Rs 2.60 lakh on Ebix Payments Services Limited and two cooperative banks under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Rocklink India Opens India’s First Lithium-Ion Battery & Rare Earth Recycling Plant in UP
In April 2026, Rocklink India Private Limited inaugurated India’s first integrated lithium-ion battery and rare earth magnet recycling facility at the Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

• It focuses on recovering critical minerals to support key sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, and defence applications.

About Integrated Battery & Rare Earth Recycling Facility:
Capacity: The plant handles 10,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of lithium-ion batteries producing 5,000–6,000 tonnes of black mass, processes rare earth magnets at 60 tonnes per month (TPM), and includes a planned rare earth chloride unit of 1,500 TPA by 2026.
Materials: It recovers lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium used in advanced technologies.
Technology: Using proprietary R2 recycling technology, the facility processes 95 types of battery scrap, safely manages volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and achieves over 98% recovery efficiency for aluminium, copper, and iron.
Features: The plant enables battery refurbishment, rare earth magnet recycling Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), Aluminium Nickel Cobalt (AlNiCo), semi-automated dismantling, reverse logistics via Magcycle™, and compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms through a Know Your Material approach.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

AP’s Guntur Municipal Corporation Wins UNIDO GEM Award 2026 in Vienna, Austria
On 22 April 2026, the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC), Andhra Pradesh (AP), has won the 4th edition of the Gender Equality Mobilisation (GEM) Award presented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

• On behalf of GMC, Olga Rataj, Sustainable Cities Project Manager & Industrial Development Officer (IDO), received the award during the International Day of Women in Industry 2026(April 21) celebrations held in Vienna, Austria.

About Gender Equality Mobilisation (GEM) Award:
Origin: The GEM Award, established in 2018 by the UNIDO, is a prestigious international recognition that honours outstanding initiatives and leadership advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
GMC Recognition: The award honours GMC’s exemplary efforts in advancing sustainable urban development, efficient resource management, and environmentally responsible industrial practices under the Global Eco-Industrial Parks initiative.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Ashok Lahiri Appointed as Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog; Gobardhan Das Named Member
In April 2026, the Government of India(GoI) appointed veteran economist Dr. Ashok Lahiri, a former Chief Economic Advisor(CEA) to the GoI, as the new Vice-Chairman and eminent Scientist Dr. Gobardhan Das, Director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP), as full time Member of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).

• Dr. Ashok Lahiri succeeds Suman Bery, who completes his four-year tenure on May 1, 2026, and becomes the second-highest authority in NITI Aayog after the Chairperson.

About New Appointee:
Dr.Ashok Kumar Lahiri : He is one of India’s most experienced and senior economists, with a career spanning over four decades, having held key roles in public finance and government policy.

• He is currently serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Balurghat in West Bengal(WB).

Gobardhan Das : He is a distinguished molecular science professor specialising in immunology, infectious diseases, and cell biology, with nearly three decades of experience.

• He is internationally recognised for his research on the pathogenesis of tuberculosis(TB).

Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Appointed ‘Parminder Singh’ as CEO
In April 2026, Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL), a joint venture(JV) between Reliance Intelligence Limited and Meta’s Facebook Overseas Inc., appointed Parminder Singh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect.
About Parminder Singh:
Profile: He is a global technology leader with over 30 years of experience across Google, Apple, Twitter, and IBM, specializing in scaling digital businesses, enterprise strategy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven transformation.
Roles: He served as Managing Director (MD) at Google (Asia-Pacific) and Twitter (Southeast Asia, India, and Middle East & North Africa (MENA)) and as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Mediacorp, leading digital and AI transformation.
Ventures: He co-founded ClayboxAI and WeKamp, focusing on AI leadership, advisory, and community platforms.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Girls in ICT Day 2026- April 23
International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is observed annually across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue careers in ICT.

• International Girls in ICT Day 2026 was observed on 23 April 2026 with the theme “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future”.

Background:
Origin: The idea of International Girls in ICT Day was officially announced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 8 April 2011, following Resolution 70 adopted at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October 2010.
Objective: The resolution aimed to promote gender mainstreaming and advance gender equality within the ICT sector.
First Observance: The first International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on 28 April 2011.
Organizer: The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), leading the initiative.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 – April 24 
National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), also known as National Local Self-Government Day, is annually observed across India on April 24 to mark the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system and celebrate its role in strengthening grassroots democracy and decentralized governance.

• 2026 Theme: “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas(Empowered Panchayat, Comprehensive Development)”

Background: 
Declaration: The Government of India (GoI), in consultation with states, designated 24 April as National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), which was officially declared in 2010 by Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister (PM) of India.
First Observance: The first-ever NPRD was observed on 24 April 2010.
Date Significance: The date marks the institutionalisation of Panchayati Raj through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, effective in 1993, which added Part IX “The Panchayats” and granted constitutional status to Panchayats as institutions of self-government under Article 243B.
2026 Events: NPRD was observed on April 24, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, by the MoPR with participation from PRIs across states, districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats.

• Key releases include the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 report and three “Meri Panchayat Meri Dharohar” publications under the Panchayat Dharohar Initiative highlighting rural heritage.

World Day for Laboratory Animals 2026 – April 24 
The World Day for Laboratory Animals (WDLA), also known as the World Day for Animals in Laboratories (WDAIL) or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually across the world on April 24 to raise global awareness about the ethical and scientific concerns associated with the use of animals in laboratory testing and research.

• Lab Animal Week 2026 is being observed from 20 to 26 April 2026.

Background:
Established: The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) established WDLA in 1979 to highlight the suffering of animals in laboratories and to push for scientific alternatives.
Significance of Date: April 24 was chosen to honor the birthday of Lord Hugh Dowding, a former Air Chief Marshal and NAVS President, who was prominent advocate for animal rights and anti-vivisection.

STATE NEWS

Coca-Cola India Signs 3-Year MoU with UP for Community Development
In April 2026, Coca-Cola India signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest UP, investment agency for Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), in Lucknow, UP, to strengthen environmental sustainability, community welfare, and access to safe drinking water across the state.
Key Details of MoU:
Development: Builds water access infrastructure and safe hydration solutions while strengthening waste collection, expanding recycling systems, and enhancing environmental hygiene.
Livelihood: Promotes skill development and employment opportunities for local communities, especially through tourism-linked economic activities.
Tourism: Targets high-footfall destinations to improve environmental infrastructure and elevate overall visitor experience.
Strategy: Implements scalable Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) initiatives through community-led, public–private partnership models, leveraging Coca-Cola India and SLMG Beverages expertise for sustainable impact.

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